Senior Center Forum  on Health, Prescription Problems

... tremendous changes taking place in the health field

Virginia Hanley

Al Bertulli, long a resident of Melrose, was honored for his 30 years of volunteering with a plaque from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. From the left are State Senator Richard Tisei, Mr. Bertulli, and Lillian Glickman, State Secretary of the Office of Elder Affairs. The highlight of the Senior Forum on Health Care recently held at the Milano Senior Center was the awarding of a special citation presented to Al Bertulli by  State Secretary of Elder Affairs Lillian Glickman in recognition of his Al's 30 years of volunteering. Al's daily presence at the Center is sometimes taken for granted. He is always available to help in setting up meetings and other mundane projects but it is his gracious knack of greeting strangers who come to the center just out of curiosity that makes him especially valuable. He has been volunteering for many years for any group that needs help and it is gratifying to all his friends to see him recognized.. The meeting began with Senator Richard Tisei reminding the audience of the tremendous changes taking place in the health field. The amount of money previously allotted to health care was cut in Washington by nearly $2 billion dollars. Unless they restore this money, the States will have to pick up the rest. Lillian Glickman, State Secretary of the Office of Elder Affairs, reminded the audience of the many problems facing the seniors now. The problem that is causing the most concern is the rising prices of prescription drugs. The legislature is working on an expanded Senior Pharmacy program. An increase in the yearly income ceiling for qualified beneficiaries from 150 percent of the poverty level, now $12,360 for an individual, $16,590 for a couple, to 188 percent of the poverty level, $15,491 for individuals, $20,792 for couples is expected to be included in the final budget. November 1, 1999.

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